The Montgomery GI Bill SR (Chapter 1606), is available to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the National Guard.

Beside the MGIB SR, activated reserve and Guard servicemembers have two other GI Bill options. The first gives those who serve continuously for 24 or more months on active duty, the option to pay into the GI Bill for active duty (Chapter 30). The second program, called the Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607). REAP allows activated reserve and guard members up to 80 percent of the GI Bill for active duty (Chapter 30). This program is further explained on the REAP fact sheet.

The MGIB SR Chapter 1606 benefit is worth over $11,000. This amount is based on the current monthly full-time student payment rate multiplied by the 36-month limit. This "payment rate" automatically increases on October 1 each year. You get the increase no matter when you became eligible or start using it.

Note: Only VA representatives can answer specific questions about your GI Bill account. You can reach them at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Although the GI Bill application process can be time consuming it is relatively easy and worth the time invested. In most cases the process could take you four steps, or less!

Step One

Find a school that has VA-approved training or education programs. Be sure to ask the admissions counselor if the school meets the requirements to use the GI Bill. You can use the Military.com School Finder to locate a school or institution that fits the bill.

Note: Most regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities have VA-approved programs.

Step Two

Step Three

In most cases, the school will send your enrollment information to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State or area where you will train. This will expedite the process.

Within four to eight weeks you should receive a declaration of eligibility and a letter explaining your VA GI Bill benefits. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon to get a letter from the VA requesting more information. You will have to answer the Department of Veteran's Affairs requests to be determined eligible and complete the process.

Step Four

Once you begin receiving your benefit payments you will have to complete the VA's Web Automated Verification of Eligibility (WAVE) process each month to continue to receive your monthly benefits payments.

The WAVE is a simple process that requires you to either log-on to the VA WAVE website or call their toll-free number at 1-888-GIBILL-1. It only takes a couple of minutes, but you will not get your monthly payment until you do.

These four simple steps will lead to over $11,000 in education benefits. It's well worth the effort, so don't wait until it is too late, get started today!

GI Bill Related Topics

The GI Bill offers several programs. The following links will help you learn to get the most of the GI Bill.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill